Immunity for NASS

SIR: Nigeria has a fundamental problem. It has little to do with the current frenzy for restructuring or resources derivation and control. Most Nigerians are in the political terrain for entirely self-interest. They prosecute this interest with zest and vigour, ignoring the interest of the larger community they claim to represent. Indeed the nakedness of Nigeria’s politicians can be observed at very close quarters through their representatives in the various legislative assemblies which they have carved out for themselves.

The case of our National Assembly especially the Upper House is a study in the ways of the black man, especially as regards his attitude to public office and his sense of accountability. Nigerians have over the years considered the cost – benefit ratio of having a Senate in its present form. The complaints against the status quo have been on for long, but regrettably they have assumed alarming proportions in recent years, in particular during the 8th Assembly.

Now what does the Nigerian populace have against the Senate? First, no one outside the National Assembly knows what the law makers are earning. By law, the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is the sole authority to state, determine and recommend the salaries and the various allowances accruable to members of the National Assembly. By law, not a kobo can be added to these financial benefits. But in real fact what the RMAFC recommends is just a fraction, perhaps a negligible fraction of the quantum of perks and perquisites these few privileged Nigerians take home. How would one describe the constant purchase by the National Assembly of expensive limousines the latest of which are expected to cost over N6 billion? This is in addition to the horde which they keep in Abuja and in their home constituencies.

On top of all the above and more, our lawmakers want immunity in the course of their stewardship in the chambers. This would put them virtually beyond or above the ordinary laws of the land. Already the nation is groaning under a system that allows governors to be immune from any punishment, whatever the level or enormity of their behaviour in office. Although many observers believe that what the lawmakers are looking for is a big joke, yet the mere mention of it is an assault on the sensibilities of Nigerians.

What is the way out of this quagmire? Various solutions have been advanced. Notable are that the National Assembly should be a one-chamber legislative house with a ceremonial “upper” House consisting of natural leaders – Obas, Ezes, Emirs etc. who are paid sitting allowance – unlike the present Senate where members are alleged to take home about N20million per month.

Also that the chamber should be enlarged to have about 500 members to cover the whole country; that all emoluments, salaries, wages be made open like all other public servants, and should be pinned down to N2, million per member per month.

In our present set-up and mind set, it might be difficult to achieve these lofty ideas, but the fear of many people is that we were dangerously moving to a stage when the youth and unemployed will rise it recover the country from a population of less than 10% which has enslaved and continue to enslave us all.

The latest news that the Senate President is offloading 98 staff, perhaps leaving 98 to 100 others is the latest in our peculiar world. How on earth can an official be supported by about 200 personnel? I presume that some would hold his hand, some his agbada, some his biro and some will help lift him up when he wants to move!